
Is Abu Musab al-Zarqawi A-List?
No — Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is currently ranked F tier — a public figure with minimal cultural presence.
Ranking Timeline
Joins Afghan Mujahideen
Travels to Afghanistan to fight against Soviet forces, beginning his involvement in jihadist movements.
Runs Terrorist Training Camp
Establishes a training camp in Herat, Afghanistan, preparing fighters for future conflicts.
Operates in Iraq after Invasion
Moves to Iraq following the US-led invasion, establishing a base for terrorist operations.
Forms al-Qaeda in Iraq
Pledges allegiance to Osama bin Laden and forms al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), escalating violence.
Masterminds Major Attacks
Directs numerous bombings and beheadings, increasing sectarian tensions and instability.
Killed in Targeted Strike
Killed by a US airstrike in Iraq, significantly weakening AQI's leadership.
Legacy of Brutal Violence
Remembered as a key figure in the rise of radical Islamist terrorism, known for his brutality.
Last updated: February 25, 2026